Pen-Y-Bryn, Dog Friendly Accommodation in Gwynedd

Whatever you envision when you think of a quaint Welsh cottage, Pen-Y-Bryn brings it to life. Nestled in the historic slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog within Snowdonia National Park, Pen-Y-Bryn is a charming retreat. The cottage offers stunning mountain views and a peaceful getaway. It is truly dog-friendly, luxurious for guests, and provides a serene escape with numerous nearby activities. We truly enjoyed out stay at Pen-Y-Bryn, and would definitely return in the near future.

Arriving at the Pen-Y-Bryn

Upon arriving at Pen-Y-Bryn, you'll find parking space for one car outside the cottage, provided you don't block access to the neighbouring farm. Parking is tight, and additional cars will need to park on the road a short walk away, but access to the cottage remains easy. We appreciated the self-check-in process.

Inside, a beautiful hamper awaited us, filled with goodies such as a lovely bottle of champagne, Welsh cakes, delicious fruit cake, and even homemade treats for our dogs. Pen-Y-Bryn truly has thought of everything: dog blankets, jars full of dog treats and poo bags, and a dog washing station equipped with a towel, shampoo, and scrub brush for cleaning off dirt and sand from their adventures.

The cottage offers everything you could wish for, including local walk guides, board games (which we thoroughly enjoyed), Cards Against Humanity, a kite, and a little book to teach your dog Welsh.

The Space

Pen-Y-Bryn is a charming cottage designed for comfort and relaxation. The spacious kitchen is fully equipped with essentials and delightful extras, including a wood-fired Ooni pizza oven, a popcorn machine, and a coffee machine. We particularly enjoyed crafting homemade pizzas in the Ooni!

The cottage's cosy atmosphere is enhanced by a log burner and central heating, making it an excellent choice for snug winter evenings. The lounge is both spacious and inviting, ideal for unwinding after a busy day.

Accommodating up to five guests and two dogs, Pen-Y-Bryn offers two double beds and one single bed. The views from the windows and the gentle sound of a nearby waterfall create a serene retreat that soothes you to sleep. The beds are exceptionally comfortable, ensuring you wake up well-rested and ready to embrace the day.

The Garden

The cottage has its own private garden, a delightful retreat that is both secure and welcoming for small dogs. Enclosed to provide peace of mind, the garden offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, creating the perfect backdrop for relaxation and leisure. One of the garden’s standout features is the wood-fired hot tub, an ideal spot to unwind in style while immersing yourself in the stunning scenery. Whether it’s a crisp morning or a starry evening, soaking in the hot tub adds a touch of luxury to your stay.

The patio area, complete with comfortable outdoor furniture, is perfect for al fresco dining or simply enjoying the peacefulness of the outdoors. We particularly loved savouring our freshly made pizzas on the patio under the warm glow of the summer evening sun.

While the garden is designed to be safe and secure for smaller dogs, it’s worth noting that more adventurous or determined pups might find opportunities to escape. If you have a dog with a knack for exploring, a little extra vigilance may be needed to ensure their safety. Especially for dogs who are interested in livestock, as the garden backs onto a farmers field that is often populated with sheep.

Surrounding Walks/Things to Do

There is no shortage of activities to enjoy near Pen-Y-Bryn, making it a perfect base for exploring the local area. For a leisurely outing, we ventured to the nearby dog-friendly beach at Criccieth. Of course, no visit to a coastal town is complete without indulging in some freshly made fish and chips, which we enjoyed while soaking in the seaside atmosphere.

For those who love the great outdoors, the area around the cottage offers numerous scenic walking trails right from the doorstep. These trails lead you up rolling hills and through fascinating quarry landscapes, offering a mix of history and nature. Along the way, you’ll discover a lake that invites you to take a refreshing swim or simply pause and take in the serene surroundings.

Another must-try experience is the nearby Welsh Highland Railway, a charming steam train journey through some of the most wonderful landscapes Wales has to offer. Even better, the railway is dog-friendly, so your dogs can join in the adventure, except for one designated dog-free carriage, which ensures everyone can enjoy the ride in comfort. Whether you’re exploring the coastline, trekking through the hills, or hopping aboard the steam train, there’s something for everyone to enjoy near Pen-Y-Bryn.

Final Thoughts- Is This Suitable For Sensitive/Reactive Dogs?

Regrettably, while Pen-Y-Bryn is an excellent holiday spot for dogs and ranks high as a dog-friendly accommodation, it may not be suitable for reactive or anxious dogs. This is primarily due to the shared driveway with the neighbouring farm, which increases the likelihood of encountering people. Moreover, the neighbouring farm has a free-roaming dog, which can be challenging for reactive dogs. There is free-roaming livestock nearby, and the garden is not completely escape-proof; determined dogs may find a way out.

I would recommend Pen-Y-Bryn as a dog friendly holiday cottage, providing your dog doesn't have these particular quirks. Furthermore, the garden's fencing may pose a challenge for escape-prone dogs. This is especially important to consider if your furry friend has a knack for slipping out unnoticed or a strong desire to chase livestock. Despite these considerations, our stay was peaceful and enjoyable.

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